Protestant Ascendancy

The Protestant Ascendancy was a period in Ireland from the 17th to early 20th centuries when the Protestant minority, mainly Anglicans of the Church of Ireland, held dominant political, economic, and social power. This elite group controlled land, government positions, and institutions, often at the expense of the Catholic majority and other minority groups. It was rooted in historical conflicts stemming from colonization, religious rivalries, and British rule, leading to significant social divisions. The period ended as Ireland moved toward independence, promoting greater religious and political equality.